Stories for June 25, 2012

Matt Kenseth to leave Roush at end of season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR points leader Matt Kenseth is leaving Roush Fenway Racing at the end of the season, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be promoted to his seat in the Sprint Cup Series.

AP source: T-Wolves trade 18th pick for Budinger

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to trade the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft to Houston for Chase Budinger.

Kvitova reaches 2nd round at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Defending champion Petra Kvitova recovered from a shaky start to beat Akgul Amanmuradova 6-4, 6-4 in her opening match at Wimbledon.

Lemaitre going for only 2 golds at Europeans

HELSINKI (AP) -- French sprinter Christophe Lemaitre won't even try to defend his three titles when the European Championships start Wednesday. That would require too much exertion ahead of the Olympics.

Madison Square Garden buys Forum for $23.5M

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Madison Square Garden Co. says it bought the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., for $23.5 million.

Kind words mark Russell's departure from Washougal City Council

Controversial figure praises staff, fellow councilors

WASHOUGAL — As his final meeting with Washougal's City Council ended Monday night, Jon Russell's youngest supporters raced from the audience to jump in his arms.

UEFA charges Spain, Russia over fans' racist abuse

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- UEFA has charged the Spanish and Russian football associations for racist chants by fans at the European Championship.

UEFA charges Spain, Russia over fans' racist abuse

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- UEFA has charged the Spanish and Russian football associations for racist chants by fans at the European Championship.

New police dogs show off their skills at K-9 commencement

As soon as the police canine handler put on the "bite suit," Ike began howling.

Keller places eighth in javelin final

U.S. track coaches excited for recent high school grad's future

Recent Heritage High grad Sean Keller threw the javelin 246 feet, 5 inches on Monday and placed eighth at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials.

Vancouver-area emergency response system re-examined

EMS district looks at fixes that save money, make the most sense

When a stubbed toe brings the same cavalry as a heart attack, it's time to fix the system, emergency officials told the Vancouver City Council on Monday.

Recycle bins set on fire on Washougal street

Washougal police and firefighters are investigating a small arson spree reported on H Street in Washougal.

Audit chides Fire District 5 over training funds

Auditor's office, fire officials disagree on law's view of center

The Washington State Auditor's Office alleges Clark County Fire District 5 is continuing to use public money to pay for training activities outside its legal authority.

Green jobs fade due to recession

Survey of state finds positions in category fell 18%

Among its many negative effects, the Great Recession appears to have dramatically eroded the number of green industry jobs in Washington, the Employment Security Department said in a study released Monday.

Hearing set for Thursday to discuss summer chinook

States say Columbia River run will fall short of prediction of 91,200

Cats abandoned in Hazel Dell still need home

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is looking for people to adopt cats found outside an abandoned Hazel Dell house last week.

Fort Vancouver library trustees hire new executive director

Board considered three finalists to replace Bruce Ziegman

Tessman had been Salt Lake City library director

Vancouver man gets 9 years for illegal gun possession

A Vancouver man was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dusty L. Bartlett, 37, also received three years of supervised release to be served after the nine-year term, as part of U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle’s punishment.

Artist replaces Sandusky image on Penn State mural

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- The depiction of Jerry Sandusky on a well-known mural across the street from the Penn State campus has been replaced by an image of a poet and activist draped with a blue ribbon -- symbolizing support for child sexual abuse victims.

Commissioners choose Rivers to succeed Zarelli

In a unanimous decision, Clark and Cowlitz county commissioners this afternoon appointed state Rep. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, as the interim senator to replace Joseph Zarelli, who resigned from office on May 31.

Red Cross issues emergency call for blood donors

The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels, prompting the agency to call on all eligible donors to give blood as soon as possible.

Rees practicing with Irish despite arrest

BRIDGMAN, Mich. (AP) -- Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees and linebacker Carlo Calabrese have been cleared to participate in summer drills despite their arrests after a party.

Quentin leads Padres to 8-7 win over Astros

HOUSTON (AP) -- Carlos Quentin hit an RBI double in the 10th inning to lift the San Diego Padres to an 8-7 win over the Houston Astros on Monday night.

Javelin team will be Kinsley, Furey and Hostetler

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Sam Humphreys won the javelin at the U.S. track trials on Monday with a throw of 268 feet, 7 inches, but he doesn't make the Olympic team because he doesn't have the required "A'' standard.

Rockies Scutaro hit in helmet by Strasburg's pitch

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado's Marco Scutaro has walked off the field under his own power after being hit in the helmet by a fastball from Washington's Stephen Strasburg in the sixth inning Monday night.

Montano, Gall and Schmidt make Olympic 800m team

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Alysia Montano won the 800 meters in 1 minute, 59.08 seconds at the U.S. track trials to make the Olympic team.

UEFA fines Germany $31 for fans' neo-Nazi flag

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- UEFA has fined the German soccer association $31,200 after fans displayed a neo-Nazi flag at a European Championship match.

The Blazers extend qualifying offer to F Batum

The Portland Trail Blazers have formally extended a qualifying offer to forward Nicolas Batum.

Latos fans 13, Reds beat Brewers 3-1

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Mat Latos fanned a personal-best 13 batters in his second career complete game Monday night, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Hunger strike protesters make stop in Vancouver

They are protesting postal service cuts

Protesters who have launched a hunger strike against postal service cuts demonstrated outside of a Vancouver post office between 4 and 5 p.m. Monday at 2700 Caples Ave.

LA Kings finalize new deals for Stoll, Fraser

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Kings have finalized contracts with forwards Jarret Stoll and Colin Fraser.

Blue Jays RHP Alvarez leaves with injury

BOSTON (AP) -- Toronto starter Henderson Alvarez left Monday night's game against Boston in the sixth inning with an injury.

Matt Kemp all but ruled out of All-Star game

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have all but ruled out injured slugger Matt Kemp for next month's All-Star game in Kansas City.

Avila out of Tigers lineup with sore left knee

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Tigers catcher Alex Avila is out of the starting lineup because of tendinitis in his left knee.

Kings extend qualifying offer to F Jason Thompson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Sacramento Kings have extended a qualifying offer to Jason Thompson to make the forward a restricted free agent.

Deputies ask for help identifying bank robbery suspect

Clark County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for the public’s help in finding a man suspected of robbing a Salmon Creek bank Monday morning.

Fire alarm awakens Phelps from nap

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Michael Phelps got a rude awakening on the first day of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials.

Wrist surgery for Devils defenseman Mark Fayne

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey defenseman Mark Fayne, a key cog in the Devils' run to the Stanley Cup finals, had surgery to repair a ligament in his wrist last week, and will be out up to four months.

OF Nady goes on 15-day DL

DENVER (AP) -- The Washington Nationals have placed outfielder Xavier Nady on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a tendinitis in his right wrist.

Rangers' Holland set for rehab start Wednesday

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland is going to Triple-A Round Rock for two rehabilitation starts.

Newly acquired Lillibridge nervous and excited

BOSTON (AP) -- Brent Lillibridge's first day with the Boston Red Sox had him flashing back to his first day in the big leagues.

Cubs prospect Anthony Rizzo headed to Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) -- Cubs prospect Anthony Rizzo is Chicago-bound and could get his first start as early as Tuesday.

After deal with Boston, White Sox welcome Youkilis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kevin Youkilis is in the lineup for his Chicago White Sox debut, batting second and playing third base.

High court rejects much of Arizona immigration law

The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of Arizona's crackdown on immigrants Monday but said a much-debated portion on checking suspects' status could go forward.

Redskins QB Griffin target of extortion

DALLAS (AP) -- A former Baylor basketball player is facing federal extortion charges for allegedly threatening to release "derogatory information" about Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

Rockies option struggling RHP White to Triple-A

DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Rockies have optioned struggling right-hander Alex White to Triple-A Colorado Springs, one day after his third consecutive poor start.

Feds: Redskins QB Griffin target of extortion

DALLAS (AP) -- A former Baylor basketball player is facing federal extortion charges for allegedly threatening to release "derogatory information" about Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

Wild re-sign Veilleux, Rau

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild have re-signed center Chad Rau to a two-year deal, and agreed to terms with left wing Stephane Veilleux (VAY-oo) on a one-year deal.

Parnell to close for Mets with Francisco on DL

CHICAGO (AP) -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins says right-hander Bobby Parnell will serve as the team's closer while Frank Francisco is on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.

Orioles release Miguel Tejada at his request

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles have released infielder Miguel Tejada from his minor league contract at his request.

Mets call up LHP Hampson, designate OF Rottino

CHICAGO (AP) -- The New York Mets selected the contract of left-handed reliever Justin Hampson from Triple-A Buffalo after Sunday night's 6-5 loss to the New York Yankees and designated outfielder Vinny Rottino for assignment.

Boy feared drowned in Snake River at Burbank

A 14-year-old boy is missing after a boat sank in the Snake River at Burbank.

Jets, Pavelec agree to 5-year deal

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) -- Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec and the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a $19.5 million, five-year deal.

Morrison leads 10 qualifiers for British Open

SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) -- James Morrison earned his first trip to the British Open as the medalist Monday among 10 players who qualified at Sunningdale.

Former Houston star Luckenbill dies at 72

DALLAS (AP) -- Former University of Houston basketball star Ted Luckenbill, who played in Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game, has died of cancer at the age of 72.

Steelers release Heisman winner Troy Smith

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran quarterback Troy Smith, a former Ohio State star who won the 2006 Heisman Trophy.

In Our View: Drama on the Waterfront

Mayor, governor pump up the crowd as downtown dream is described

Never one to pass up a chance for the melodramatic, Mayor Tim Leavitt was at his thespian best Thursday at the railroad berm near downtown Vancouver. The ceremony might've reminded some of the 75 or so onlookers about President Ronald Reagan's inimitable: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"Only, at this event, it was Leavitt vociferously mandating: "Move those trucks!" Others in the crowd might've connected Leavitt's command to the television show "Extreme Home Makeover," in which the host says: "Bus driver, move that bus!"

Partnership has helped veterans, state for decade

It connects them to federal benefits, saving Wash. money

In the last decade, nearly 15,000 veterans and their dependents have been connected to Veterans Affairs benefits to which they were entitled but weren't receiving.

Clark Public Utilities to offer a way to track energy use

Pilot program will launch this fall with 20,000 customers

A pilot program set to launch this fall will give Clark Public Utilities customers a closer look at their energy usage, and a chance to see how they stack up against their neighbors.

Off Beat: Russian flight crew's money all also flew through the air

We wrote about their record-setting flight.

Editorial Cartoon: Nothing to see here

June 25

Pitts: King's 'Can we all get along?' still begs for an answer

There was always something hapless about Rodney King.

Talking Points: Parade promises

What's the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking: Miami Heat parade; NASCAR at Sonoma

Letter: Apply golden rule every day

Many of the letters I've read lately are disturbing to me. I'm embarrassed by my fellow Christians' blatant bigotry and judgmental attitude toward gay marriage and other topics.

Camas library offers free family movie matinees

CAMAS -- Families can enjoy free movies and popcorn at 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Camas Public Library as part of the summer reading program. The library is located at 625 N.E. Fourth Avenue in Camas. For details call 360-834-4692.

Death notices

A daily list of death notices

Letter: Evidence can't deflect doubters

Recently in Hawaii, I reconnected with a former East-West Center co-worker who delivered twins in the same hospital just a few hours later than President Obama's birth. Also, she knew Obama's grandmother (her 2008 Christmas card pictured them together).

Letter: Big cities ban individual fireworks

I'm sorry I wasn't at the June 11 Vancouver City Council meeting to support those who want a city (if not county) ban on fireworks. I'm one of the homeowners who has to medicate my dog and who has to walk by the mess on my street for months afterwards because the responsible parties leave their mess in the street.

Letter: Role as mayor suits Leavitt

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt may have striking features, but his chiseled jaw is certainly not made of glass. He has grown well into the responsibilities of mayor, in unprecedented times.

Letter: Harmful effects outweigh net jobs

I was born in Vancouver. I respect the workers as I come from a family of electricians and miners. I am in favor of jobs. However, coal transport and its long-term effects can't be mitigated. Even though many may feel that Millennium Bulk Terminals is a great company to work for, Millennium is not shipping coal now.

You can maintain fitness over summer

It's typical at this time of year to struggle with trying to exercise, with the kids home from school, or trying to stick to a workout routine while at the summer cottage, the beach or out of town for summer holidays.

Achieving fitness requires creativity

One of my favorite activities when speaking to a group people on fitness is what I call "creative lifting." Very simply, it involves bringing a 5-pound dumbbell to the front of the room and asking each participant to lift the weight differently than the person before them.

Sandra Brown: Vacation? Don't forget food safety

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! A time we all look forward to. No matter where we go or what we do, in cars or recreational vehicles, on boats or relaxing at the beach or at camp, there is a common denominator that runs through all of our summer travels and relaxation -- it's called F-O-O-D!

Liquor licenses

Open forum, June 25 - July 1

An open forum for community discussion.

Real estate roundup

Recent commercial real estate transactions as reported by area brokerage firms.

Clark County business calendar

TuesdayThe Columbian welcomes submissions about Clark County residents or businesses as well as regional business events. Information must be received by noon Tuesday preceding the intended Monday publication date. Send to mary.ricks@columbian.com or fax 360-735-4491.